This Part 1 shall be known as the "Property Maintenance Code of the Borough of Cresskill" and may be referred to in this Part 1 in the short form as "this code."
[Amended 4-18-2018 by Ord. No. 18-08-1520]
It is hereby found and declared that there exists in the Borough of Cresskill premises of the aforesaid category which are, or may become, unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use due to dilapidation, defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities, lack of ventilation, light or sanitation facilities or due to other conditions rendering such premises, or part thereof, unsafe or insanitary or dangerous or detrimental to the health or safety or otherwise inimical to the welfare of the residents of the Borough of Cresskill and persons upon or having access to the premises. It is further found and declared that, by reason of lack of maintenance and progressive deterioration, the condition of certain premises has the further effect of creating blighting conditions and initiating slums and that, if the same are not curtailed and removed, the aforesaid conditions will grow and spread and will necessitate, in time, the expenditure of large amounts of public funds to correct and eliminate the same and that, by reason of timely regulations and restrictions as herein contained, the growth of slums and blight may be prevented and neighborhood and property values thereby maintained, the desirability and amenities of premises and neighborhoods enhanced and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered. Any requirements or regulations not specifically discussed herein shall be referred to the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code and shall be enforced by the Borough of Cresskill as an extension of Chapter 201.
The purpose of this code is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance and condition of premises situated in the Borough, used or intended to be used or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for commercial, business, industrial or any other nonresidential occupancy; to establish minimum standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to make such premises fit for human habitation, occupancy and use; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners and operators and distinct and separate responsibilities and duties upon occupants; to prevent blighting conditions and deterioration of property values; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of such premises; to fix penalties for the violations of this code; to provide for the right of access across adjoining premises to permit repairs; and to provide for the repair, demolition or vacation of premises unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use. This code is hereby declared to be remedial and essential for the public interest, and it is intended that this code be liberally construed to effectuate the purpose as stated herein.